FA CUP IS KEY TO UNITED’S SEASON ... AND POSSIBLY FOR ERIK’S JOB
LOU MACARI EXCLUSIVE on why his old team must beat Liverpool to prove they really want Ten Hag in charge
MANCHESTER UNITED’S players must prove they want Erik ten Hag to stay – by knocking arch-rivals Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
His hopes of keeping his job hinge on the FA Cup and securing a Champions League spot, although, with United eight points adrift of fourth place, that latter target seems unlikely.
That leaves the FA Cup as Ten Hag’s last shot at redemption, with United legend Lou Macari believing Sunday’s Old Trafford clash could be a make-or-break encounter for the Dutchman (below).
“People are saying it’s a huge game for Ten Hag,” said Macari, who played a key role as United beat Liverpool in the 1977 FA Cup final to deny their old foes the Treble.
“But it’s a huge game for everybody – players, fans and the club itself. A convincing win against Liverpool could go a long way to persuading people Ten Hag is the right man to stay in charge.
“That’s the crazy thing. The manager’s position is always under threat, but all managers – including Ten Hag – rely on their players. You’d like to think that those who like him – and I don’t think there would be many who dislike him – will be out there on Sunday, playing for their futures and the manager’s future.
“You have managers at a club – and everyone’s got an opinion on them – but you look for decency and you look for honesty.
“Ten Hag seems like a decent, honest fellow, who has to live with the results week-in, week-out – which hasn’t been easy.
“But now’s the time to get a big win, with everything that’s at stake.
“We know what it’s like at United, a fully committed performance from everybody is accepted.
“If you haven’t managed to win, you’re disappointed, but most fans would look upon it and say, ‘They didn’t leave anything behind and gave it their all’. That’s required on Sunday – and I don’t think they can afford to lose.”
United are sixth in the Premier League, with failed assaults on the Champions League and EFL Cup – leaving the FA Cup as their only remaining chance of a trophy.
But Macari, 74, thinks there is still time to rescue the season – by beating Jurgen Klopp’s side and giving United supporters something to cheer after such a difficult campaign.
“It’s been a difficult season for everybody – for the club, the manager, players and fans,” he said.
“Thankfully, it’s not over yet and there is a chance to salvage something from it and I’m sure that’s the main priority for everyone at United – to grab what’s left. What’s left is the FA Cup. You’ve got difficult opponents, but getting to Wembley, as I experienced four times at United, is a great day out for the fans. “I just hope the players realise they can do it because the history of the FA Cup – not just between the two biggest clubs in the country – is full of upsets.”
League champions Liverpool were looking for part two of the Treble when they faced United in the FA Cup 47 years ago – the next week they would go on to win the European Cup for the first time.
At Wembley, Stuart Pearson gave United the lead six minutes into the second half before Jimmy Case equalised two minutes later.
But then, two minutes after that, Macari broke through and his shot deflected in off Jimmy Greenhoff ’s chest for the winning goal.
“When we beat Liverpool in the 1977 FA Cup final – to stop them doing the Treble – they were favourites to win and we were the underdogs,” added Macari (left, celebrating the Cup win with boss Tommy Docherty and team-mates Pearson and Gordon Hill).
“It’s the same on Sunday. Even though we’re home, at Old Trafford, we’re the underdogs.
“People say the team’s not good enough, but I’ve seen United teams that are struggling – then suddenly they get a big scalp and things can change.”
I hope the players realise they can do it, the FA Cup is full of upsets